Validating the traditional use of medicinal plants in Maputaland to treat skin diseases
| Autor: | Nciki, Sibongile |
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| Jazyk: | angličtina |
| Rok vydání: | 2016 |
| Druh dokumentu: | Diplomová práce |
| Popis: | A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the degree of Master of Science October, 2015 Medicinal plants are widely used as a source of primary health care by the rural inhabitants of northern Maputaland, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A recent (2013) ethnobotanical study conducted specifically in four rural communities of Maputaland (Mabibi, Mbazwana, Mseleni and Tshongwe) revealed that lay people use plants individually and in combinations to treat various skin diseases. Based on the extensive use and lack of scientific evidence, the current study established the scientific validity of the documented plants by investigating their antimicrobial effects (individually and combinations) against dermatological relevant pathogens. The chemical profiles of the most antimicrobial active plants and the chemical compounds capable of permeating the skin were also investigated. Aqueous and organic (1:1 dichloromethane-methanol) extracts were prepared from plants collected from Maputaland. Antimicrobial screening (micro-titre plate dilution assay) was performed on bacteria and fungi known to cause skin infections. Efficacy of the plants used in combinations was evaluated using the sum of Fractional Inhibitory Concentration (ΣFIC). The combinations that displayed mostly synergistic interactions when combined in equal ratios were studied further in varied ratio studies to determine possible interactions when combined in various mixtures. Qualitative chemical analysis of the most active plant extracts (aqueous and organic extracts) was performed using phytochemical screening tests, UV-Vis spectrometry and a reverse-phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC). The permeation of compounds through the skin was investigated in vitro on intact porcine skin using the ILC07 automated system and qualitatively analysed through RP-HPLC prior and after the permeation assay. When investigated individually, all the organic extracts proved to be active (MIC |
| Databáze: | Networked Digital Library of Theses & Dissertations |
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